Dancing with the Stars, Guitar Hero?
I think we’re in the beginnings of a renaissance of sorts.
Dancing with the Stars is the number one show. A show which doesn’t showcase pro dancers–it showcases people learning to dance. And one of the most popular video games out there right now is Guitar Hero – a game where you have a simplified fret board and get to pretend that you are playing the rock n roll hits in a live band. The goal is to play well enough to earn money and become a star. You get signed by promoters, you have fines for inciting riots, and you know what? It’s actually building rhythmic skills and finger dexterity. I actually play guitar, and found it a very relaxing and fun diversion.
So when I watch things like this video of the Pussycat Dolls performing with violins in front of British families (yes, kids in the audience), I see the knowing smile on the lead singers face as not so much a sultry come-on but more of a knowing gaze – look at what we’re getting away with. It’s not the most complex, beautiful music, and yes, it’s heavily sexualized…but so was much of what we call great literature and music now. Mozart was a rock star, in his time. Shakespeare wrote for the masses.
And I’d much rather have a culture focused on music and dance than war and destruction and political paranoia.
Oh…wait…
Tags: pussycat dolls, dancing with the stars, guitar hero
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